Isolated motor pan for watercraft

ABSTRACT

A watercraft floating in water including a deck and a motor isolated from the deck. In an embodiment of the invention, the watercraft includes a frame comprising cross-members for supporting the deck. The watercraft further includes a dampening assembly connecting the motor to the components of the watercraft floating in the water while isolating the motor from the deck of the watercraft. The dampening assembly allows the vibrations generated by the motor to be transferred into the water in order to reduce the overall vibration in the deck.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/382,447 filed Mar. 6, 2003, the complete disclosure of whichis hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the reduction in the transfer ofvibration in watercraft. Specifically, the present invention relates toan increase in dampening of the vibrational energy generated by themotor.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Generally, in the field of watercraft, the propulsion unit, or motor asit is commonly referred to, is mounted directly to the frame of thewatercraft. Standard motor units, notably those of the outboard variety,are commonly known to vibrate, especially at low speeds. Traditionally,the direct mounting of the motor to the frame of the watercraft allowsthe transfer of vibrations from the motor directly into the deck of thewatercraft, thereby creating high levels of vibration in the deck.

The presence of high levels of vibration in the deck of the watercraftcan be problematic for a variety of reasons. For example, the highvibration levels can reduce the enjoyment of the passengers in thewatercraft. In addition, high levels of vibration may also loosenfasteners present within the watercraft, such as screws or bolts,thereby requiring an operator to perform frequent maintenance in orderto ensure that the fasteners remain secure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a watercraft configured for a reductionin the transfer of vibrations from the motor of the watercraft to thedeck. In an embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft includesa motor, a deck, at least one pontoon, a motor pan, at least one memberconnecting the deck to the pontoon and at least one member connectingthe motor pan to the pontoon. The motor may be affixed to the motor panin a conventional manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the watercraft includes a secondpontoon spaced apart from the first pontoon. The members connecting thedeck to the first pontoon may also connect the first pontoon to thesecond pontoon. In addition, the member connecting the motor pan to thefirst pontoon also connects the first pontoon to the second pontoon. Inan embodiment of the invention, the various members of the watercrafthave substantially equivalent lengths.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft includes aplurality of brackets configured to connect the members to the pontoons.In an embodiment of the present invention, the brackets are each sizedto connect a plurality of members to the at least one pontoon. In analternative embodiment of the invention, each bracket is sized andconfigured to connect only a single member to the at least one pontoon.Moreover, an embodiment of the present invention provides for awatercraft including both larger brackets, configured to connectmultiple members to the pontoons, and smaller brackets, configured toconnect a single member to the pontoons.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft includes anextended motor pan. The extended motor pan projects rearward from thewatercraft beyond the pontoons. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the extended motor pan allows a member to connect the rearend of the first pontoon to the rear end of the second pontoon. Thisrear member may be comprised of a thicker material than the remainingmembers utilized in the watercraft. Moreover, the rear member comprisedof the thicker material may be connected to both the motor pan and/orthe deck, in addition to being connected to the pontoons.

In an embodiment of the invention, the watercraft includes a shimlocated between the mounting pan and the member connected to themounting pan. The shim positions the motor pan in a plane locatedvertically below the lower surface of any members connected in the deck,thereby isolating the motor pan from the deck. In an embodiment of theinvention including the member comprised of the thicker material, themotor pan may be mounted directly to the thicker member. In turn, thethicker member may be connected directly to the deck in an embodiment ofthe present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the motor of the watercraft comprisesan outboard motor of the type typically known in the art. The outboardmotor is affixed to the motor pan in a conventional manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pontoons of the watercraft may bepressurized in a conventional manner. In addition, the watercraft mayalso include a third pontoon connected to the deck via the membersdescribed above.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thedetailed description contained herein. However, it should be understoodthat the detailed description, and specific examples, while indicatingembodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only,since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent andthe present invention will be better understood upon consideration ofthe following description and the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention employed in a watercraft;

FIGS. 2 through 2B depict side views at various magnifications of thewatercraft depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 3A depict perspective views at various magnifications of thewatercraft depicted in FIGS. 2 through 2B with the deck removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 4 depicts a section view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 5 and 5A depict side views at various magnifications of thewatercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 employing an alternative arrangementconfigured to reduce the transfer of vibrational energy from the motorinto the deck;

FIGS. 6 and 6A depict perspective views at various magnifications of thewatercraft depicted in FIGS. 5 through 5A with the deck removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 7 depicts a section view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 and 8A depict side views at various magnifications of thewatercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 employing a further alternativearrangement configured to reduce the transfer of vibrational energy fromthe motor into the deck;

FIGS. 9 and 9A depict perspective views at various magnifications of thewatercraft depicted in FIGS. 8 through 8A with the deck removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 10 depicts a section view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG.9A;

FIGS. 11-11B depict side views at various magnifications of thewatercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 employing an alternative arrangementconfigured to reduce the transfer of vibrational energy from the motorinto the deck;

FIGS. 12 and 12A depict perspective views at various magnifications thewatercraft depicted in FIGS. 11 through 11A with the deck removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 13 depicts a section view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG.11;

FIGS. 14 and 14A depict side views at various magnifications of thewatercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 employing an alternative arrangementconfigured to reduce the transfer of vibrational energy from the motorinto the deck;

FIGS. 15-15B depict perspective views at various magnifications thewatercraft depicted in FIGS. 14 through 14A with the deck removed forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 16 depicts a section view taken along section line 16-16 of FIG.14;

FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment from the suspended motor panshowing FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 shows a magnification of the portion depicted in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to beexhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen toenable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally indicates a watercraft.Although any type of watercraft may be used in conjunction with thisinvention, for illustrative purposes, a pontoon boat will be depicted asembodying the present invention. In the embodiment depicted, watercraft10 includes a first pontoon 12, a second pontoon 14, a deck 16, a motorpan 18 and a motor 20. Although the watercraft 10 includes only twopontoons 12, 14 in the present embodiment, the number of pontoons may beincreased as is known in the art without varying from the spirit andscope of this invention. For example, a third pontoon (not shown) may belocated intermediate pontoons 12, 14 while also extending in a directionparallel thereto. Moreover, in alternative embodiments of the invention,the watercraft 10 may be any other conventional type of watercraft.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the motor 20 is of a type generally referredto as an outboard motor. In the embodiment depicted, motor 20 is mountedto motor pan 18 in a well known manner. For example, the motor 20 maytilt relative to the motor pan 18 in a known manner. The motor pan 18supports the motor 20 as the motor 20 propels the watercraft 10. Inalternative embodiments of the present invention, other types of motorssuch as those of the inboard/outboard variety may be employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, an embodiment of the watercraft 10 depictedin FIG. 1 is illustrated. It should be noted that FIGS. 3-4 depict thewatercraft 10 with deck 16 (indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2) and allcomponents attached to the top surface thereof removed for descriptivepurposes. FIGS. 2-4 show that watercraft 10 further includes a frame 22.In the embodiment depicted, frame 22 includes a plurality ofcross-members 24 and a plurality of brackets 26. As depicted, the frame22 joins the deck 16 to the first and second pontoons 12, 14.

As can be seen specifically in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the brackets 26 include ahorizontal plate 28 and a vertical plate 30, disposed perpendicular toeach other. Additionally, in the embodiment depicted, once brackets 26have been attached to pontoons 12, 14 each of the horizontal plates 28of the plurality of brackets 26 are located in the same horizontalplane. Conversely, vertical plates 30 are disposed in a plurality ofvertical planes depending upon the attachment portion of the brackets 26to the pontoons 12, 14.

As is depicted in FIG. 3, brackets 26 extend along the outer portion ofeach of the pontoons 12, 14, and an additional group of brackets 26 arelocated along the inner portions of the pontoons 12, 14. The number ofbrackets 26 attached to the pontoons 12, 14 may vary as needed in orderto provide adequate support to deck 16. Brackets 26 may be attached tothe pontoons 12, 14 in any manner well known in the art. For example, inthe embodiment depicted, the brackets 26 are welded to the pontoons 12,14. The method of attachment, however, may be altered to conform to anymethod well known in the art. Moreover, the configuration of thebrackets 26 may be altered in any manner still allowing the brackets 26to ultimately support the deck 16.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 2A, it can be seen that therearmost cross-member 24 need not extend completely across the width ofwatercraft 10. As is depicted, shorter cross-members 24 may be employedin frame 22 near the rear of the craft 10. The inclusion of shortercross-members 24 may be necessary in order to allow motor 20 to tiltupwards without contacting frame 22 ensuring the motor 20 remainsisolated from frame 22.

FIGS. 2-4 depict the cross-members 24 as being attached to the brackets26. In the embodiment illustrated, each cross-member 24 extends a lengthapproximately equal to the distance separating the outer edges ofbrackets 26 located on the outer edges of pontoons 12, 14. As can beseen in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the cross-members 24 include a lower plate 32,an upper plate 34 and a vertical plate 36. Lower plate 32 and upperplate 34 extend parallel to each other with vertical plate 36 locatedintermediate plates 32, 34 and positioned perpendicular thereto. Thisconfiguration forms a known configuration commonly referred to as a“C-channel.” In alternative embodiments of the present invention,cross-members 24 comprising alternative configurations may be employed.The cross-members 24 may be formed from stainless steel, aluminum, orother similar material well known in the industry with high strength andhigh resistance to corrosion.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the watercraft 10 is illustrated as furtherincluding a plurality of fasteners 38. Fasteners 38 may be manufacturedfrom any material well known in the art having high strength and highresistance to rust and corrosion. Fasteners 38 are dispersed throughoutframe 22 and generally extend through both the lower plate 32 of thecross-members 24 and the horizontal plate 28 of the brackets 26.Accordingly, the fasteners 38 succeed in attaching the cross-members 24to the brackets 26 in a conventional manner.

As depicted, FIGS. 2 and 2A, watercraft 10 further includes a pluralityof fasteners 40 extending through both the deck 16 and the upper plates34 of the cross-members 24. Fasteners 40 secure deck 16 to frame 22. Toaccomplish this, fastener 40 may be of any type utilized in the art,such as carriage bolts, screws or the like. Fasteners 40 may bemanufactured from a material with high resistance to corrosion when incontact with water, thereby extending the life and durability of thefasteners 40. It should be noted that in the embodiment depicted, bothsets of fasteners 38, 40 extend into nuts 60 in order to securefasteners 38, 40 in a known manner.

Now that the general superstructure of watercraft 10 has been described,an embodiment of the mechanism attaching the motor pan 18 to thepontoons 12, 14 will be described in detail. Specifically, FIGS. 2-4depict a plurality of dampening assemblies 42. In this embodiment, eachdampening assembly 42 includes a first cross-member 44, a secondcross-member 46 and a bushing 48. The first cross-member 44 isillustrated as having a structure identical to the cross-members 24. Inthis embodiment, however, the size of the two cross-members 24, 44differ. In a manner similar to the cross-members 24, the firstcross-member 44 may be extruded from stainless steel or aluminum asrequired. As can be seen in FIG. 3, both the first cross-member 44 andthe dampening assembly 42 overall has a length approximately equal tothe distance separating the brackets 26 of the frame 22 located on theinner portions of the pontoons 12, 14. In addition, a plurality ofapertures (not shown) is disposed throughout the lower surface of thefirst cross-members 44.

The second cross-member 46 of the dampening assembly 42 consists of asimilar C-shaped design utilized in the cross-members 24 of the frame 22and the first cross-members 44 of the dampening assemblies 42. Thesecond cross-member 46, however, is rotated 90° along its longitudinalaxis from the position of first cross-member 44, thereby orientating theopening of second cross-member 46 upwards. In one embodiment of theinvention, the second cross-member 46 may be extruded from the same moldas the cross-members 24 and merely rotated 90° in order to perform thefunction as described herein.

FIGS. 2B and 4 depict bushing 48 as separating first cross-member 44from second cross-member 46. The bushing 48 may be manufactured from anymaterial well known in the art for dampening or absorbing vibration. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted, a bushing 48 is comprised of arubber material. Furthermore, it should be noted that the distanceseparating the top surface of first cross-member 44 from the bottomsurface of second cross-member 46 is controlled by the height of bushing48. In the embodiment depicted, the distance separating the top ofmember 44 and the bottom of member 46 is less than the overall height ofthe cross-members 24 comprising frame 22.

Now that the structure of an embodiment of the dampening assembly 42 hasbeen described in detail above, the manner in which the dampeningassembly 42 attaches the motor pan 18 to the frame 22 will now bedescribed. Referring first to FIGS. 2-3, it can be seen that thedampening assembly 42 may be attached to the inner brackets 26 of theframe 22 by way of at least one fastener 52. Fasteners 52 may be of asimilar type to that of fasteners 38, 40 and comprised of a similarmaterial. Specifically, the fasteners 52 should be manufactured from amaterial having high strength and rigidity while also resistant to rustand corrosion, especially when coming into contact with water. Thefasteners 52 succeed in attaching the dampening assembly 42 to thebrackets 26 by extending through apertures (not shown) located withinfirst cross-member 44, second cross-member 46, and bushing 48 inaddition to an aperture (not shown) located within the horizontal plate28 of bracket 26. Furthermore, it should be noted that fastener 52extends through a nut 60 similar to that described above with regards tofasteners 38, 40.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the attachment of the motor pan 18 to the dampeningassembly 42. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a shim 50 extends alongthe bottom surface of the dampening assembly 42 in order to separate themounting surface 19 of motor pan 18 from the lower surface of thedampening assembly 42. Shim 50 may be manufactured from any lightweightmaterial known for resisting corrosion, such as aluminum. In addition,shim 50 generally includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) thatextending therethrough.

The attachment of the dampening assembly 42 to the motor pan 18 isachieved by way of the extension of additional fasteners 52 through thefirst cross-member 44, the second cross-member 46, the bushing 48, theshim 50 and the mounting surface 19 of the motor pan 18. A nut 60 isthen employed to secure the fastener 52 in a well known manner. Thepresence of the shim 50 between the bottom surface of the secondcross-member 46 and the mounting surface 19 of the motor pan 18 spacesthe motor pan 18 in a horizontal plane located vertically below thehorizontal plates 28 of the brackets 26. Consequently, as should beappreciated, the motor pan 18 is disposed at a level below the lowersurface of the cross-members 24 to ensure cross-members 24 do notcontact motor pan 18. Accordingly, the height of the shim 50 determinesthe distance separating the cross-members 24 from the motor pan 18.

In some embodiments, the rearmost cross-members 24 may also be attachedto motor pan 18 in a manner similar to that in which the dampeningassemblies 42 are attached to the motor pan 18. The attachment of therearmost cross-members 24 to the pan 18 provides additional support tomotor pan 18. In embodiments with the rearmost cross-members 24 attachedto the pan 18, a shim (not shown) with a height substantially identicalto that of shim 50 is included between the lower surface of lower plate32 and the mounting surface 19 of the motor pan 18. This ensures thatthe frame 22 remains separated from the motor pan 18. Once the shim hasbeen positioned between the cross-member 24 and the mounting surface 19,a fastener (not shown), similar to fastener 52 discussed above, isinserted through the lower plate 32, the shim and the mounting surface19. In an embodiment, a nut (not shown) engages the fastener in a knownmanner in order to secure the shim, cross-member 24 and motor pan 18. Itshould be appreciated, however, that alternative methods of attachingcross-member 24 to the motor pan 18 may be utilized as desired.

FIGS. 5-7 depict an alternative embodiment of the dampening assembly 42.In this embodiment of the watercraft 10′, all remaining components areidentical to that described above and indicated by numeral accordingly.The alternative embodiment of the dampening assembly, however, isgenerally indicated by numeral 42′.

As can be seen, dampening assembly 42′ includes a one-piece extrusionhaving a base 54, a pair of walls 56 and a top portion 58. In theembodiment depicted, dampening assembly 42′ is depicted as being formedfrom a single extrusion of a material having high rigidity, high beamstrength and high resistance to rust and corrosion when in contact withwater. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, however, thedampening assembly 42′ need not be extruded as one solid component, butrather, dampening assembly 42′ may be comprised of separate componentsaffixed to one another in a conventional manner. Furthermore, it shouldbe noted that in the embodiment depicted, the dampening assembly 42′ hasa length allowing for the extension of the dampening assembly 42′between the outer brackets 26 included in the frame 22. The length ofthe damping assembly 42′, however, may be shortened so that dampingassembly 42′ extends between the inner brackets 26 of frame 22.Furthermore, the rearmost dampening assembly 42′ need not extend acrossthe watercraft 10, but rather may have a length sufficient to allow theassembly 42′ to extend to just the motor pan 18.

Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, base 54 of dampening assembly 42′represents the flat, planar, rectangularly shaped lower portion of thedampening assembly 42′. Walls 56 rise perpendicularly upward from base54 and extend longitudinally parallel to the long edges of therectangularly shaped base 54. In the embodiment depicted, the walls 56each extend a distance upwards from the base 54 less than the distancevertical plate 36 extends upwards from lower plate 32 in thecross-members 24.

Dampening assembly 42′ further includes top portion 58. Top portion 58represents a slightly curved horizontal piece connecting the top edgesof walls 56. In alternative embodiments, the shape and curvature of thetop portion 58 may be altered as desired. When altering the shape of thetop portion 58, however, one must ensure that the overall height of thedampening assembly 42′ does not increase to a height greater than theheight of the cross-members 24.

Dampening assemblies 42′ may attach the motor pan 18 to the frame 22 ina variety of ways. For example, with reference to FIG. 6A, it can beseen that in the embodiment illustrated, the rearward dampeningassemblies 42′ are arranged in a way allowing the dampening assemblies42′ to extend perpendicularly from the mounting surfaces 19 of motor pan18. In alternative embodiments, the rear dampening assemblies 42′ may bearranged such that each dampening assembly 42′ extends parallel to thecross-members 24 of the frame 22. In either embodiment, regardless ofthe direction of extension of the rear dampening assemblies 42′, thedampening assemblies 42′ are affixed to both the frame 22 and the motorpan 18 in a similar manner.

The dampening assemblies 42′ are joined to frame 22 at the brackets 26.Specifically, the dampening assemblies 42′ are positioned atop thebrackets 26 with base 54 resting upon the horizontal plates 28 of thebrackets 26. The dampening assemblies 42′ are then affixed to brackets26 by way of fasteners 52 extending through both the horizontal plate 28and the base 54. The fastener 52 may be affixed to the horizontal plate28 and the base 54 by way of a nut 60 in a well known manner.Furthermore, as should be appreciated, the top portion 58 may limit theease in which the nuts 60 may fasten to the fasteners 52. Therefore, ifdesired, the fasteners 52 may be inserted through the base 54 outside ofthe walls 56.

The dampening assembly 42′ is joined to the motor pan 18 in a similarmanner. Referring specifically to FIG. 7, it can be seen that fasteners52 extend through both the base 54 of the dampening assembly 42′ and themounting surface 19 of the motor pan 18. As can be viewed in FIG. 7,shim 50 is located intermediate the base 54 and the mounting surface 19.As should be apparent, the inclusion of the shim 50 disposes the motorpan 18 at a height below the lower plates 32 of the cross-members 24.Consequently, the cross-members 24 of frame 22 do not contact the motorpan 18.

Now that the attachment of the motor pan 18 to the frame 22 by way ofthe dampening assemblies 42′ have been described, the next step inassembling watercraft 10 requires the attachment of deck 16 to the frame22. Deck 16 may be manufactured from any material commonly utilized inthe art, such as plywood or aluminum. The deck 16 is placed across thetop surface of the upper plates 34 of the cross-members 24 and affixedthereto by way of a plurality of fasteners 38, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A,5 and 5A. Fasteners 38 may be of any type well known capable of affixingthe deck 16 to the cross-members 24 by way of insertion through both thedeck 16 and the cross-members 24 in a well known manner. In addition,fasteners 38 may even be identical to fasteners 40, if desired.Furthermore, it should be noted that in both of the embodiments depictedherein the dampening assembly 42, 42′ has a height less than that of thecross-members 24. This ensures that the dampening assemblies 42, 42′ donot contact the deck 16 following the attachment of the deck 16 onto thecross-members 24. Once the deck 16 has been attached to frame 22,additional components, such as seats, tables, side rails, etc. may beinstalled upon deck 16 in a conventional manner in order to complete theassembly of watercraft 10.

The above-described assembly has the affect of isolating the motor pan18 from the frame 22 of the watercraft 10. Furthermore, as the frame 22supports deck 16 of the watercraft 10, the above-described assembly alsoisolates the motor pan 18 from the deck 16. This isolation reduces thetransfer of motor vibration from motor 20 to deck 16 and further,reduces motor vibration experienced by the occupants of the watercraft10 in the manner described immediately following.

As should be appreciated, motor vibration generated by the operation ofthe motor 20 is transferred through motor pan 18 into the dampeningassembly 42, 42′. The vibrational energy is then transferred into thepontoons 12, 14 before being transferred to the cross-members 24 of theframe 22. This is accomplished by having a set of cross-braces 24 forattachment of the deck 16 to the pontoons 12, 14 and a set of dampeningassemblies 42, 42′ for attachment of the motor pan 18 to the pontoons12, 14. As the pontoons 12, 14 reside within water during the operationof motor 20; the vibrational energy is partially absorbed by andtransferred into the water. This transfer of vibrational energy into thewater reduces the magnitude of the vibrational energy transferred intothe cross-members 24 of the frame 22. Said differently, as the motor panis connected to a different set of cross braces as is the deck, andbecause the only common connection between the cross braces is thepontoons, the motor vibration is dissipated in the water. Consequently,minimal vibrational energy is transferred directly into deck 16 by wayof the cross-members 24 is minimal. This reduction in vibrational energytransferred is appreciated when considered with respect to the prior artwatercraft, which generally mount the motor pan directly to the frame,thereby allowing for the direct transfer of the vibrational energy fromthe motor to the deck. Consequently, the dampening effect of the presentinvention results in significantly less vibrational energy beingtransferred into the deck 16 of the watercraft 10 and, therefore, allowsoccupants of the watercraft 10 to enjoy a smoother ride with lessvibration being observed by the occupants.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, an alternative embodiment of the watercraft10 is depicted and generally indicated by numeral 110. In describing thefollowing embodiment, components common to previous embodiments will beindicated with the same reference numeral. Components similar topreviously described components, but modified from the previousembodiments, have the same base numeral, but are indicated by areference numeral increased in magnitude by a factor of 100 fromreference numerals of a previous embodiment.

In the present embodiment, watercraft 110 includes first and secondpontoons 12, 14 and a substantially planar deck 16. Watercraft 110 alsoincludes an extended motor pan 118. Extended motor pan 118 has astructure similar to that of motor pan 18, described above. Extendedmotor pan 118, however, has a greater length than motor pan 18. Extendedmotor pan 118 also includes mounting surfaces 119 similar to mountingsurface 19 of motor pan 18.

FIG. 9 depicts a motor 20 attached to extended motor pan 118. Motor 20may be attached to extended motor pan 118 in any conventional mannerallowing extended motor pan 118 to support motor 20 as motor 20 propelswatercraft 110. In addition, the connection between extended motor pan118 and motor 20 may be generally configured to allow motor 20 to tiltwith respect to extended motor pan 118 in a manner well known. It shouldbe noted that in comparison with previous embodiments, the length ofextended motor pan 118 positions motor 20 rearward of the position ofmotor 20 when connected to motor pan 18.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A, watercraft 110 includes a frame generallyindicated by numeral 122. In this embodiment, frame 122 includes aplurality of cross-members 24 extending across watercraft 110 andaffixed to the outer brackets 26. It should be noted that frame 122differs from previous embodiments of the frame 22 due to the inclusionof a full length cross-member 24 positioned nearest the stern of thewatercraft 110.

Referring still to FIGS. 9 and 9A, watercraft 110 includes two dampeningassemblies 42′, each with a length approximately equal to the width ofthe watercraft 110. Dampening assemblies 42′ have the same configurationas that described above with respect to previous embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 10 depicts a section view taken along section line 10-10 in FIGS. 9and 9A. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the dampeningassemblies 42′ include a plurality of fasteners 52 connecting dampeningassemblies 42′ to the mounting surfaces 119 of extended motor pan 118.In the present invention, shims 50 are located intermediate thedampening assemblies 42′ and the mounting surfaces 119. The fasteners 52extend through the dampening assemblies 42′, shims 50 and mountingsurface 119 in order to connect the components together.

It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, the planeof the mounting surfaces 119 is located below the plane in which thelower plate 32 of the cross-member 24 is located. Accordingly, thevibration of motor 20 travels through the extended motor pan 118 intodampening assemblies 42′ and into pontoons 12, 14. The lack of a directcontact between the extended motor pan 118 and the frame 122 reduces themagnitude of the vibrations transferred into the deck 16 from motor 20,as in previous embodiments.

FIGS. 11-13 depict another embodiment of the present invention. Thepresent embodiment of the invention includes extended motor pan 118 anda pair of dampening assemblies 42′ connecting the extended motor pan 118to the pontoons 12, 14 in a manner similar to that described above.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the present embodiment of the inventionincludes a modified frame 222. As depicted, modified frame 222 includesa plurality of cross-members 24 connected to pontoons 12, 14 in aconventional manner. Moreover, frame 222 further includes modifiedcross-member 224 also connected to pontoons 12, 14 in a similar manner.

FIG. 13 depicts a section view taken along section lines 13-13 in FIG.12A. As shown in FIG. 13, modified cross-member 224 has a structuresimilar to that of cross-members 24. Modified cross-member 224 includesa lower plate 232, an upper plate 234 and a vertical plate 236. In thepresent embodiment, lower plate 232 and upper plate 234 extend in aparallel direction but are spaced apart from each other. Vertical plate236 extends in a direction perpendicular to that of lower plate 232 andupper plate 234 and may be joined to lower plate 232 and upper plate 234in a conventional manner. For example, vertical plate 236 may be weldedto complementary outer edges of lower plate 232 and upper plate 234. Inan alternative embodiment, the vertical plate 236 may be formedintegrally with lower plate 232 and upper plate 234.

Referring still to FIG. 13, a comparison of cross-member 24 and modifiedcross-member 224 shows that in the present embodiment, modifiedcross-member 224 includes plates 232, 234, 236 having a thicknesscomparatively larger than the thickness of plates 32, 34, 36 comprisingcross-member 24. The relatively thicker plates 232, 234, 236 providemodified cross-member 224 with a comparatively greater strength than thestrength of cross-member 24.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-16, a further alternative embodiment ofthe present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A,the present embodiment of watercraft 310 includes an extended motor pan118. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, watercraft 310 includes a pluralityof cross-members 24, a dampening assembly 42′ and a modifiedcross-member 224.

FIGS. 15-15B depict a perspective view of watercraft 310 with deck 16removed for illustrative purposes. As seen in FIG. 15, watercraft 310includes a plurality of brackets 26 attached to the top surface ofpontoons 12, 14. In the present embodiment, brackets 26 may be attachedto the pontoons 12, 14 in the manner described above with respect toprevious embodiments. Watercraft 310 further includes modified brackets326 attached to pontoons 12, 14 along the respective interior facingsurfaces of the pontoons 12, 14. As shown in FIG. 15B, modified brackets326 include a modified horizontal plate 328 and a modified verticalplate 330 arranged in a perpendicular orientation.

In the present embodiment of modified bracket 326, the modifiedhorizontal plates 328 and modified vertical plates 330 havesubstantially equal widths. In addition, modified horizontal plate 328may be attached in any conventional manner to modified vertical plate330. For example, in embodiments of modified brackets 326, the modifiedplates 328, 330 may be welded or bolted to one another. In otherembodiments, the plates 328, 330 may be integrally formed of a singleportion of material bent into the right angle depicted.

In the present embodiment, the width of the modified plates 328, 330 issubstantially smaller than the comparative width of plates 28, 30. Asdepicted in FIGS. 15 and 15A, modified brackets 326 have a widthapproximately equal to the width of cross-members 24. Accordingly, eachmodified bracket 326 is sized and configured to connect only a singlecross-member 24 to one of the pontoons 12, 14.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-15B, the depicted embodiment of watercraft310 includes a dampening assembly 42′ and a modified cross-member 224similar in structure to those described in detail above. Dampeningassembly 42′ is attached to the extended motor pan 118 proximate thefront of extended motor pan 118. Conversely, modified cross-member 224is attached to the extended motor pan 118 proximate the rear of themotor pan 118.

As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of fasteners 52 connect dampeningassembly 42′ to the mounting surface 119 of modified motor pan 118.Fasteners 52 extend through the mounting surface 119 of the modifiedmotor pan 118 and the base portion 54 of dampening assembly 42′. Nuts 60engage the fasteners 52 in order to affix the extended motor pan 118 tothe base portion 54 of the dampening assembly 42′.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, a shim 50 is disposed intermediate thebase portion 54 of dampening assembly 42′ and the extended motor pan118. As described in previous embodiments, shim 50 includes a pluralityof apertures (not shown) to receive fasteners 52. The extension offastener 52 through shim 50 and dampening assembly 42′ connects the shim50 to the assembly 42′ and pan 118.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, extended motor pan 118is connected directly to modified cross-member 324. In order tofacilitate the connection of modified cross-member 324 to the mountingsurface 118 of extended motor pan 118, modified lower plate 332 includesa plurality of apertures (one of which is shown in section in FIG. 16)at various positions. Similarly, the mounting surface 119 includes aplurality of apertures (one of which is shown in section in FIG. 16)located in positions complementary to the locations of the aperturesdisposed throughout lower plate 332. This arrangement allows fasteners52 to extend through the apertures of both mounting surface 119 andlower plate 332. Nuts 60 may then be threaded onto the fasteners 52thereby connecting pan 118 to cross-member 324.

Referring still to FIG. 16, the present embodiment of the invention doesnot include a shim 50 or any other conventional means separating themodified lower plate 332 from the mounting surface 119. Accordingly, themounting surface 119 abuts the modified lower plate 332 of the modifiedcross-member 324.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the lower surface ofmodified lower plate 332 of modified cross-member 324 and base 54 ofdampening assembly 42′ reside in a first substantially horizontal plane(as shown in FIG. 16). Unlike previous embodiments of the invention, inthis embodiment, the mounting surface 119 does not reside in a secondplane (not shown) substantially parallel to the first plane. Rather,shim 50 is disposed intermediate dampening assembly 42′ and mountingsurface 119, the front portion of extended motor pan 118 is located at avertical position below the first plane. Conversely, the rear portion ofthe extended motor pan 118 abuts the modified lower plate 332 ofmodified cross-member 324 meaning the rear portion of extended motor pan118 is positioned vertically above the front portion of the extendedmotor pan 118. Thus, extended motor pan 118 is tilted forward.

In the present embodiment, extended motor pan 118 is pitchedsufficiently to ensure the mounting surface 119 only contacts modifiedcross-member 324 of frame 322. The mounting surface 119 is spaced apartfrom the extended motor pan 118 from each of the cross-members 24comprising the modified frame 322.

In the present embodiment, vibrational energy from motor 20 travels intoextended motor pan 118 whenever motor 20 is in operation. Thevibrational energy concentrated at the rear of the extended motor pan118 travels into deck 16 via modified cross-member 324 (FIG. 14). Due tothe stiffness associated with the thicker plates 326, 328, 330comprising modified cross-member 324, and due to the proximity ofcross-member 324 to the very rear of pontoon, the vibrational energytransferred through the modified cross-member 324 is smaller inmagnitude than would be associated with standard cross-members 24.

As explained previously, the front of the extended motor pan 118 isconnected to dampening assembly 42′. Thus, vibrational energy at thefront of extended motor pan 118 travels into pontoons 12, 14 via thedampening assembly 42′. As explained above, the floating of the pontoons12, 14 in water supporting the watercraft 310 results in the dampeningand dissipation of the vibrational energy into the water.

With reference now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the attachment of motor pan 118can alternatively have a rubber spacer or grommet 400 placedintermediate motor pan 118 and C-channel 324, as best shown in FIG. 18.As should appreciated by one skills in the art rubber spacer 400 couldtake on any form, such as a rubber bushing or grommet, or could be anelongate gasket extending along the length of the C-channel 324 havingmultiple apertures for connection to the C-channel at multiplelongitudinal positions.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. The application is, therefore, intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

1. A watercraft comprising: a first pontoon; a second pontoon spacedapart from said first pontoon; a frame comprising a plurality ofcross-members connected to at least one of said first pontoon or saidsecond pontoon; a dampening assembly extending from said first pontoonto said second pontoon; a motor pan connected to said dampeningassembly; and a deck attached to said frame; wherein said motorgenerates vibrational energy during operation and the transfer ofvibrational energy from said motor to said deck is reduced by saiddampening assembly.
 2. The watercraft as set forth in claim 1 furthercomprising a shim located intermediate said dampening assembly and saidmotor pan.
 3. The watercraft as set forth in claim 2 wherein saiddampening assembly comprises a base, a pair of walls and a top portion;and said shim is positioned intermediate said base and said motor pan.4. The watercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein said motor pan extendsrearward from said watercraft a distance sufficient to ensure that eachof said cross-members is connected to both said first pontoon and saidsecond pontoon.
 5. The watercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidcross-members include a lower plate, a parallel upper plate and avertical plate connecting said lower plate to said upper plate, saidvertical plate being arranged perpendicular to said lower plate and saidupper plate.
 6. The watercraft as set forth in claim 5 furthercomprising a plurality of brackets connected to said first pontoon andsaid second pontoon wherein said cross-members are connected to saidpontoons via said brackets.
 7. The watercraft as set forth in claim 6wherein said dampening assembly is connected to at least one of saidbrackets.
 8. The watercraft as set forth in claim 6 wherein said lowerplates of said cross-members are connected to said brackets and saidupper plates of said crossmembers are connected to said deck.
 9. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame further includes asecond type of cross-member comprised of a material with a thicknessgreater than the thickness of the material comprising said first typesof cross-members.
 10. The watercraft as set forth in claim 9 whereinsaid motor pan is connected to said second type of cross-member and doesnot contact said first type of cross-member.
 11. The watercraft as setforth in claim 9 wherein said first and said second types ofcross-members each include an upper plate, a lower plate and a verticalplate connecting said upper plate to said lower plate.
 12. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said upper plate, said lowerplate and said vertical plate comprising said second type ofcross-member have a greater thickness than the thickness of said upperplate, said lower plate and said vertical plate comprising the firsttype of said cross-member.
 13. The watercraft as set forth in claim 1further comprising a second dampening assembly connecting said motor panto said first pontoon and said second pontoon.
 14. The watercraft as setforth in claim 13 wherein said first dampening assembly extends parallelto said second dampening assembly.
 15. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 14 wherein said first dampening assembly and said second dampeningassembly are approximately equal in length to said cross-members. 16.The watercraft as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first and seconddampening assemblies include a base, a pair of side walls and a topportion connecting said pair of said walls.
 17. The watercraft as setforth in claim 1 wherein said motor pan includes a mounting surfaceconfigured to connect said motor pan to said dampening assembly.
 18. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 17 wherein said mounting surface ispositioned in a plane located vertically below said cross-members. 19.The watercraft as set forth in claim 18 wherein said mounting pan isspaced apart from said cross-members when said mounting pan is connectedto said dampening assembly.
 20. The watercraft as set forth in claim 19further comprising a shim intermediate said dampening assembly and saidmounting surface; said shim having a thickness defining the distanceseparating said mounting surface from said cross-members.
 21. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofbrackets; each of said brackets connecting at least one of saiddampening assembly or said cross-members to one of said first pontoon orsaid second pontoon.
 22. The watercraft as set forth in claim 21 whereinsaid brackets are sized to connect only one of said dampening assemblyor said cross-members to one of said first pontoon or said secondpontoon.
 23. The watercraft as set forth in claim 21 wherein saidbrackets are sized to connect a plurality of said cross-members to oneof said first pontoon or said second pontoon.
 24. The watercraft as setforth in claim 23 further comprising a plurality of second type ofbrackets sized to connect only one of said cross-members to one of saidfirst pontoon or said second pontoon.
 25. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said motor is an outboard motor.
 26. A watercraftcomprising: a floatation means for supporting a majority of saidwatercraft above the surface of water; a motor pan for supporting amotor, said motor pan comprising a mounting surface, said motor panconfigured to support a motor; a deck positioned above said floatationmeans; a first member connected to said floatation means and said deck;and a second member connected to said motor pan and said floatationmeans, said second member being isolated from said deck.
 27. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 26 further comprising a third memberconnected to said deck and said motor pan.
 28. The watercraft as setforth in claim 27 wherein said third member includes an upper surfaceand a lower surface, said deck being attached to said upper surface andsaid motor pan being attached to said lower surface.
 29. The watercraftas set forth in claim 28 wherein said lower surface of said third memberis attached to said floatation means.
 30. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said first member includes an upper surface and a lowersurface, said deck being attached to said upper surface and saidfloatation means being attached to said lower surface.
 31. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 26 wherein said second member includesa lower surface attached to said mounting surface and said floatationmeans.
 32. The watercraft as set forth in claim 31 further comprising ashim intermediate said lower surface of said second member and saidmounting surface of said motor pan.
 33. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 32 wherein said motor pan does not contact said first member. 34.The watercraft as set forth in claim 26 wherein said floatation meansincludes a plurality of pontoons.
 35. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said first member extends substantially parallel tosaid second member.
 36. The watercraft as set forth in claim 26 furthercomprising at least one bracket sized to connect said first member andsaid second member to said floatation means.
 37. The watercraft as setforth in claim 26 further comprising at least one bracket sized toconnect only said first member to said floatation means.
 38. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 26 further comprising a second saidsecond member, said second of said second members spaced apart from saidfirst of said second members, said first member being locatedintermediate said first of said second members and said second of saidsecond members.
 39. The watercraft as set forth in claim 38 wherein saidfirst and said second of said second member extend in paralleldirections.
 40. The watercraft as set forth in claim 26 wherein saidfirst member has a length approximately equal to the length of saidsecond member.
 41. The watercraft as set forth in claim 26 wherein saidfirst member includes a lower plate, an upper plate an intermediateplate, said lower plate being arranged parallel to said upper plate andsaid intermediate plate being arranged perpendicular to said lower plateand said upper plate, said intermediate plate connecting said lowerplate to said upper plate.
 42. The watercraft as set forth in claim 41wherein said upper plate is connected to said deck and said lower plateis connected to said floatation means.
 43. The watercraft as set forthin claim 26 wherein said motor is an outboard motor.
 44. A watercraftcomprising: at least one pontoon; a motor pan including a mountingsurface; a motor connected to said motor pan; a deck supported by saidat least one pontoon; a first member including an upper surface and alower surface; said lower surface being attached to said at least onepontoon and said upper surface being attached to said deck; a secondmember including a lower surface and an upper surface, said lowersurface being connected to both said mounting surface of said motor panand said at least one pontoon; wherein said upper surface of said secondmember is spaced apart from said deck.
 45. The watercraft as set forthin claim 44 further comprising a second pontoon spaced apart from saidfirst pontoon said first member connecting said first pontoon to saidsecond pontoon.
 46. The watercraft as set forth in claim 45 wherein saidfirst member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to saidfirst pontoon and said second pontoon.
 47. The watercraft as set forthin claim 46 wherein said second member also connects said first pontoonto said second pontoon, said first member and said second member beingsubstantially equivalent in length.
 48. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 47 wherein said motor pan is located intermediate said firstpontoon and said second pontoon.
 49. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 45 wherein said first pontoon and said second pontoon arepressurized.
 50. The watercraft as set forth in claim 44 wherein said atleast one pontoon includes a front end and a rear end, and said motorpan extends outward from said watercraft a distance sufficient to locatesaid motor rearward of said rear end of said pontoon.
 51. The watercraftas set forth in claim 50 wherein said motor is an outboard motor. 52.The watercraft as set forth in claim 50 further comprising a thirdmember comprising an upper surface connected to said deck and a lowersurface connected to said mounting surface of said motor pan.
 53. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 52 wherein said lower surface of saidthird member is connected to said at least one pontoon.
 54. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 52 wherein said third member is locatedat a position intermediate said second member and said motor.
 55. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 54 wherein said rear end of said atleast one pontoon and said third member is connected to said at leastone pontoon proximate said rear end.
 56. The watercraft as set forth inclaim 44 further comprising a bracket comprising a horizontal plate anda vertical plate; said bracket being attached to said at least onepontoon and said lower surface of first member being attached to saidhorizontal plate.
 57. The watercraft as set forth in claim 56 whereinsaid lower surface of said second member is attached to said horizontalplate.
 58. The watercraft as set forth in claim 56 wherein saidhorizontal plate is sized to receive only said first member.
 59. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 44 wherein said first member has aC-shaped profile.
 60. A pontoon boat, comprising: first and secondelongate pontoons; a plurality of first cross braces extendingtransversely between, and connected to, said first and second pontoons;a deck supported by said first cross braces; at least one second crossbrace extending transversely between, and connected to, said first andsecond pontoons; a motor pan being connected to said at least one secondcross brace, and being isolated from said plurality of cross braces atthe location of said second cross brace; and a motor connected to saidmotor pan.
 61. The pontoon boat of claim 60, wherein the motor pan isalso connected to one of the first cross braces, at a position adjacentthe motor.
 62. The pontoon boat of claim 61, further comprising rubberspacers positioned between the one said first cross brace, and motorpan.
 63. A watercraft comprising: a plurality of pontoons; a frameincluding a plurality of cross-members and a plurality of brackets, saidbrackets being affixed to said pontoons and said cross-members beingaffixed to said brackets and extending between said pontoons; a deckpositioned on top of said frame; a motor mounting assembly, isolatedfrom said frame, and attached to said pontoons; a motor attached to saidmotor mounting assembly.
 64. The watercraft as set forth in claim 63,wherein said motor mounting assembly is affixed to said brackets of saidframe.
 65. The watercraft as set forth in claim 63, wherein said deck isattached to said frame opposite said pontoons.
 66. The watercraft as setforth in claim 65, wherein said deck is attached to said cross-membersof said frame.
 67. The watercraft of claim 64, wherein said motormounting assembly is comprised of a cross beam assembly attached to saidbrackets, and a motor pan connected to said cross beam assembly.
 68. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 67, wherein said motor mountingassembly further includes a shim disposed between said motor pan andsaid cross beam assembly.
 69. The watercraft as set forth in claim 67,wherein said cross beam assembly includes a first cross-member, a secondcross-member, and a bushing, said first cross-member and said bushingdisposed within said second cross-member.
 70. The watercraft as setforth in claim 69, wherein said bushing is comprised of rubber.
 71. Thewatercraft as set forth in claim 67, wherein said cross beam assembly iscomprised of a metal extrusion.
 72. The watercraft as set forth in claim71, wherein said metal extrusion includes a base, a pair of walls, and atop portion, said base separated from said motor pan by way of saidshim.
 73. The watercraft as set forth in claim 67, wherein said crossbeam assembly is located above said motor pan and is spaced apart fromsaid motor pan.
 74. The watercraft as set forth in claim 63, wherein anyvibration energy created through operation of said motor is transferredby said motor mounting assembly into said pontoons and dampened by watersupporting said pontoons.
 75. The watercraft as set forth in claim 63,wherein said motor mounting assembly is positioned in a plane below saidframe cross-members.
 76. The watercraft as set forth in claim 75,wherein said motor mounting assembly includes a plurality of beamsspanning across and fixed to said brackets, wherein a vertical height ofsaid beams is less than a vertical height of said frame cross-members.77. The watercraft as set forth in claim 63, wherein a rear portion ofthe motor mounting assembly is connected to a rearward mostcross-member.
 78. The watercraft of claim 77, wherein the motor mountingassembly includes at least one cross beam member extending traverselybetween and connected to the pontoons, and a motor pan being connectedto said at least one cross beam.